As a romance novelist, it’s my job to weave a story that gives readers a front row seat to watch the unfolding of a beautiful love story.

Disdain

But how does a couple get from “Hello my name is” (or even “I despise you”) to “You’re my soulmate and I want to spend the rest of my life with you?”

Having been disappointed by numerous novels where the couple claimed to suddenly “be in love” without actually “falling in love,” I went on a quest to investigate this mysterious process of falling head over heels. What I discovered changed my writing.

I dissected some fifty romance novels and made notes. All the couples had hefty doses of attraction, but the most satisfying stories went beyond attraction to something deeper. They showed the characters passing through four phases that moved them step by step from “meh” (or downright hatred) to “wowie-zowie he’s the most wonderful person in the world.”

And each phase seemed to be characterized by distinct thought patterns. See if you think these phases and thought patterns ring true to real life—particularly if at first Prince Charming seemed to be more of a frog than a prince.

Acknowledgement

Acknowledgement of him:

Acknowledges some good quality about him (talented, kind, generous, etc)

Finds him attractive

Hyper aware of him, or hyper critical of his shortcomings (which often signals preoccupation or a subconscious denial of admiration)

Acknowledges an attraction, but blows it off

Appreciation

Appreciation of his good qualities:

Defends his character while not necessarily liking him

Is genuinely thankful for a good quality

Beginning to warm towards him

Not so judgmental towards him

More willing to consider his opinion on a matter

Admiration

Admiration:

Takes his advice

Imitates quality or action of his

Admits her initial criticism or objections were exaggerated or biased

Curiosity grows—willing to spend more time in his company

Acknowledges similar values or mutual interests

Finds she is thinking (fondly) of him more and more

Adoration

Adoration:

Openly acknowledges her love/warm feelings for him

Desires to be in his company

Thinks he is wonderful

Thinks he is perfect match

Misses him painfully when he is gone

Thinks about him constantly

So how did this awareness of stages change my writing? In my novel Darcy’s Hope ~ Beauty from Ashes, I kept these four stages and behaviours in mind as I crafted scenes.They became an outline of sorts that I wove with compelling action, mystery, suspense, and historical detail. I made sure the couple had ample opportunity to interact on a deep level, then continually gave voice to the heroine’s evolving inner thoughts to show their romance was based on more than physical attraction and chemistry.

Using this approach produced not only a thrilling story, but gives readers a deep sense of satisfaction as they watch the heroine’s tiny bud of acknowledgement open into appreciation, then expand with admiration, and finally blossom into full adoration.

Don’t we all ultimately desire a romance built on a foundation of compatibility and emotional intimacy rather than just a pitter-pattering heart?

The Darcy’s Hope Saga

Downton Abbey Meets Pride & Prejudice!

Escape to the era of Downton Abbey and experience all the drama of World War 1 alongside Jane Austen’s iconic Elizabeth Bennet & Fitzwilliam Darcy. You’ll watch their tender love unfold as they learn to work together and reconcile their differences at a field hospital only miles from the Front. When injury and espionage separate the couple, Darcy is crushed. But Donwell Abbey holds a secret that just might change everything.

Note from Linda: I’m so impressed with what Ginger has done in analyzing so many romance novels. I’m also impressed that she has managed to combine two of my favorite things, Pride and Prejudice and Downton Abbey and come up with her own unique take on both.

What do you think? Add your comments to the conversation in the comments section.

Thanks for hosting me today! There really is a lot of “strategy” is involved in crafting a good romance. Although a solid premise is the foundational start, there are many tricks like plotting the story through stages like this that can be the difference in a good romance and a great one. And certainly the challenge of it all is part of the fun!

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